Graziers challenged to dig deep for Rhys at cattle sale

THE Clermont community has dug deep to raise funds for Rhys Wood, who was injured in a snowboarding accident in Canada and now it's going a step further.

The Clermont man, who is being treated in a Vancouver hospital for his injuries, has been told he will never walk again.

Last month a Go Fund Me page was set up to help bring Rhys back home. Support has been overwhelming and the page has raised $28,900 of the $30k goal.

But more help is at hand. Clermont business Hoch & Wilkinson is also donating and is calling for support from the rural community at the upcoming Clermont Cattle Sale set for March 15.

"Our way of contributing to the cause is that at the next Clermont sale, out of our commission earned by selling cattle, we're donating $5 per head that we sell for that sale,” said Jake Passfield, of Hoch & Wilkinson.

The stock and station agent sold around 620 beasts at the last sale and are hoping for a similar figure, if not better.

Mr Passfield said if they were in the same predicament, they would appreciate the assistance.

Jake Passfield of Hoch & Wilkinson called for support from the rural community.Paula Heelan

"Clermont is a tight-knit community, and they try to help out when they can in times like this,” he said.

Hoch & Wilkinson has challenged all vendors and graziers in the district to consider donating and selling a beast for Rhys at the sale.

One of those who responded to the challenge was Michael Borg, who said he'd do anything he could to help the injured young man.

"I'm going to donate a beast at next Wednesday's store and fat sale in Clermont. I'll actually donate the proceeds to that family,” Mr Borg said.

He said the figure could be upwards of $1500.

"I think any community would do the same thing in the same circumstances - it's a hard thing to come to grips with.”

While Mr Borg said he didn't know the Woods family, he wanted to help.

"I see what I read in the paper, and I know it's a tragic thing,” he said.

"I wish there were more people out there that could help, and I hope there are.

"To me, giving a beast, and giving the money it gets, is nothing in my books for raising money for something like that.